After the massive explosions of pagers and walkie-talkies in Lebanon, the country’s civil aviation authority on Thursday (September 19) ordered a ban on carrying these two devices on all flights departing from the capital Beirut’s airport.
The ban applies to checked baggage and carry-on items and took immediate effect until further notice.
The aviation authority instructed airlines operating in Beirut to notify passengers of the above ban. According to the Lebanese National News Agency, such devices are also prohibited for air transport.
In the two waves of attacks on Tuesday (September 17) and Wednesday (September 18), explosions occurred using pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to Hezbollah members. According to the Ministry of Health in Lebanon, these series of explosions resulted in at least 37 fatalities and over 3,000 injuries. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is expected to make a speech on Thursday. As of now, Hezbollah has not provided detailed information on the casualties.
Hezbollah, backed by Lebanon and Iran, accuses Israel of carrying out these attacks. Israel has not claimed responsibility for them.
The Lebanese army announced on Thursday that they are conducting controlled detonations in various areas, destroying pagers and suspicious telecommunications devices. The Lebanese army urges citizens to report any suspicious devices.
Since the Gaza war against Hamas began in October last year, Israel has faced attacks from Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi militants in Yemen who support Hamas.
Regarding the recent two waves of large explosions in Lebanon, although Israel has not directly commented on the bombings, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated a few hours after announcing the military’s transition to the country’s north that Israel’s war in the region is entering a “new phase,” with a shift in focus northwards through resource and troop deployment.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned about the escalating risk in the latest explosions, stating, “The risk of a sharp escalation is high.”
The situation in Lebanon remains tense and fragile following the recent events, with regional tensions rising and the threat of further violence looming over the country. International efforts to de-escalate the situation and prevent further turmoil are crucial in maintaining stability and peace in the region.